Shower Caddy Organizers - Amazon Product Review

Amazon - Shower Caddy Organizers

The new home I moved into apparently didn't believe in creating shelves or at least one shelf for the shower wall, so there I go searching for a good product. 

I literally went to TJ Max, Ross, Wal-Mart, Target, and Homegoods...do you know what I found? NOTHING! Ok well maybe not nothing but definitely not the right products for the intended use I needed anyway. All stores had some "suction" shelves but in my experience even over time those either start sliding down the walls/glass or they just don't retain the same amount of suction needed for what it holds. Then they all had some nice floor shelf options-but personally, something about dirt/germs you're washing off and swirling around at the bottom and the shelf legs not moving - yea not for me. I know weird but there's my reasoning, so I moved on. Then I thought I had it down perfectly at Homegoods with this bamboo (4) tier shelf that was basically "floating", where you had this spring rod that holds the shelf placed in the kiddie corner of the shower, similar to the pic below. (Also, not my pic, took it from googling exactly what I typed.)

But even having the right dimensions, the spring was so damn hard for me to, by myself, be able to install and fix the damn thing into the shower stall! Then it was missing pieces so there I go to return, receive store credit and buy something else that I wanted :)

Why, you ask, didn't I just go immediately on Amazon to purchase something like i do with all my other things? Well good question and honestly, I have no idea-I probably thought that the department stores would have something easy enough for me to buy and use. So finally did some looking round and boy am I more than pleased with the purchase! 

For starters the size of the organizers is awesome! The quantity that they provide is also awesome! Then there's the adhesive strips they provide and the overall weight capacity for each of the shelves-which I might add is legit! So, I'm writing this post having already had this product for a little over a month now and still super impressed and overall, more than satisfied with the purchase, as you can see from my pics below :) 

I do highly suggest the following for when you are putting it into your shower wall/glass:

1. instructions don't say this but, make sure that your shower wall isn't wet and that your bathroom isn't humid - this does play a part on adhesives no matter how "tough" they are
2. instructions don't say this but i feel it helped to "cure" the adhesive better to the wall-put in at least a good 4-5 hours between when you put the adhesive and when your next shower will be
3. make sure to wipe and clean the surface where your adhesives are going
4. place the adhesive and then thoroughly press down where you almost see the adhesive from a "see through like" color to now matching the wall color without any bubbles
5. I used my nail to push down on the adhesive in rows
6. then place the shelves on their adhesive hooks
7. place all your intended items on the shelves
8. leave as so and let adhesive work its magic
9. you wont have to worry about anything regarding the adhesive and shelves for your next shower if you allowed enough time between 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Earl’s - Restaurant Review

If you're looking for a hot spot with a great atmosphere, smooth interior designs for comfort and relaxation, excellent wait staff, deliciously awesome food from appetizers to the desserts, with a great setup of a bar/lounge and desirable drinks...well you'll find all of that and then some at Earls!

The first time in attendance it was just my sister and I on a Friday night and even with the reservations we had the bar area was a buzz of being busy and the restaurant was being filled at every table. The second time in attendance was with my parents and kiddos, then the more recent attendance was for my birthday...and guess what?! The great vibes, delicious food, and awesome drinks/desserts were still as consistent and as wonderful as the first experience/time...

To have the full experience you really need to order the following: their fish tacos, street corn and avocado dip, Seafood Platter or Seafood Tower (believe me these two alone could be a meal for a couple if you wanted to and love seafood), Ahi Tuna Tataki, Classic burger or even the Kids Burger, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Truffle Tortellini, Key Lime Pie, and their White Chocolate Cream Brûlée. I don’t have pictures for all I’ve listed that I’ve had? BUT I do have them of my favs…

Their Seafood Platter is smaller in portion but just as wonderful. The best part of both the platter and tower is the heartiness of the seafood that for a normal person (meaning someone other than me) it works great as practically a meal to share between a couple or just between two people. We like to order the tower because of the portions and quantity for all.

As I mentioned before, there’s nothing really on the menu that will disappoint and the chef/kitchen consistency is spot on! As for their desserts, whether it’s something tangy or chocolate and decadent or just a mix of a nice creamy sweet flavor - you’ll also be satisifed. 

Whether it's for a ladies night out, a chill date or even an intimate date, or even for a family night out-you really can't go wrong with this destination! Granted my kids though young, are not like most kids their age for their palette and mannerisms, so thought the restaurant was awesome with my kids, I did get to observe their treatment of other "family" tables and they were pretty good-so all in all I would say that they are a family friendly environment for the most part...

So after a few times being at their location, I went to look into the restaurants website and I found that they are primarily housed in Canada-so THANK YOU Canada for sharing this deliciousness with our states because my goodness I continue to love to eat here! Look for yourself ;) 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Birdies Breakfast Club - Restaurant Reviews

For those of you who either live in the DFW area or are traveling to the DFW area, you'll hear about Starwood Cafe right. Delicious breakfast and lunch cafe that doesn't stay open for dinner basically. However, they've been kind of disappointing with their multiple locations and their consistency in quality as well as taste having gone down over the years...granted their freshly squeezed orange juice is always delicious. Sadly, for me anyway its overrated and there is better hole in the wall options for delicious breakfast and lunch spots. Sorry anyway! Back on topic!

No, this post isn't about Starwood Cafe, was just opening up to provide some context to what we're really going to be talking about. If you're wanting the boojie feel but with a delicious twist and a great wait staff, then Birdies Breakfast Club is most definitely for you! They have a clean and laid-back environment; everyone has continued to be amiable and pleasant from the moment you enter the door (and yes that means we've gone back a few times). I would say that though they say its freshly squeezed orange juice I didn't happen to get a glimpse of the big orange juice machine that most restaurants have when they do orange and/or grapefruit juices AND the two times I've ordered it, it definitely doesn't taste like its freshly squeezed, honestly would prefer the freshly squeezed from HEB-but that's just me...

Anyhow! We haven't been disappointed and are always excited for the new dish flavors and textures. My personal favorite is their "Stonebriar Egg Sandwich". I'm literally having my mouth water just imagining and starting to type this...damn maybe I need to plan a trip there now :p

So this is their breakfast sandwich per their menu description:

The way I order it is-egg whites, extra Aioli sauce, with fresh fruit, and add the sausage. Oh, my goodness their sausage! Their sausage only is mouthwatering, and I don't even like to order sausage for breakfast! So don't take my word for it and please go try it!! You seriously won't want to leave or will having bigger eyes than your stomach till you order your food! TRY IT!!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Office Desk Chair - Amazon Product Review

Modern Desk Chair No Wheel

After moving into my home and now having carpet where my workstation desk is at, I had to not only get rid of my previous office chair with wheels but now I had to hunt down an ideal chair for both comfort, ease, cleanliness, and of course the possible long hours and nights of working late. I'm a realistic shopper, granted I have my moments of splurging and luxury but for more than 90% of my purchases theres a reasoning behind it and a practicality to it! So searching for my office desk chair isn't any different, there's a method to the madness.

First I look for the height because you're not supposed to actually have your feet tangling above the floor, so my feet need to stay firm on the floor comfortable with only enough play - so yes make sure you take measurements! Second, I look for the types of cushion and structure of the chair. I'm not a fan of firm nor of super soft. If anything I would prefer the cushion be firm because I have a big ass-et already so the cushion WILL be broken into, therefore firm cushion BUT I need the material/fabric to be soft enough for comfort, if that makes sense. Then lastly, I look for the color of the chair. 

I found the ideal one and I'm superbly happy with my purchase since receiving it and putting it together!

By the way that’s my pillow-pillows don’t come with the chair.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Kids Kitchen "Helper" Stool - General/Family

When I was pregnant with my oldest I had these ideas or visions of how I wanted to do my parenting style with her right. I valued my time with my mom in the kitchen and I was always in the kitchen with my mom since I was little - I mean primarily because I have always loved food and to eat! But that's neither here nor there :p What I'm getting at is that my mom would try to incorporate me into being with her and helping her in the kitchen since I can remember, though she was always cautious about specific things I couldn't and wouldn't help her with, the time with her in the kitchen was always memorable and something that stays with for always. 

So what does that little explanation have to do with this post? Well it's the source of why I'm writing about the kids kitchen helper stools. See even though it's not that long ago when I was pregnant I've noticed a SEVERE change in the level of caution or for lack of a better term "the fear" that almost all parents now seemed to be gripped with and its fustratingly annoying! For starters, yes you want to protect your child/children but NOT in the risk of instilling their fear of life and therefore creating a sense of "fear for the unknown" or worse "the fear of trying something new because of the possible negative outcomes, etc". Like that's crap adults deal with and even then I find it annoyingly frustrating because we have only so much control of the revolving variables in our lives-good luck with the rest! My mother I knew was worried if I would get burned or perhaps I was too close to the stove top when I was helping her BUT that's the reason why she was there to reassure, reaffirm, or even caution that unless I paid attention there could be serious concern or something bad might happen. I learned to extend my limitations in the kitchen and in turn also gained confidence and assertiveness in the tasks that she had me doing. Yes, we obviously don't want our kids having concussions or severely injuring themselves but a little fall here and there or a little "scare" of the unknown is NOT bad by any means! Shoot I get so annoyed with adults who also instill this fear to those around them and they dont even HAVE kids! Please dont misconstrue what I'm trying to say. I'm not saying to throw caution to the wind or DO NOT oversee what your kids are doing-NO NO NO-I'm all for caution and supervising/overwatch BUT I also know that I'm not going to hover/cradle/coddle or worse, instill an aura of fear or uncertainty because then how will my kids learn to grow/enhance or create their coping mechanisms in their daily life.

Anyway, moving on-apologies my squirrel tangent had me elaborate more. The point of what I was getting at was that with the changes I've observed in the world so to have the Childrens items. The helper stool I bought my oldest did not have these locks, or back bars, or any of these other pieces that seem to keep the child "caged" into the position to assist at the counter level. You'll see in my video below the exact model I had purchased from Amazon and though purchased in 2017 has lasted me and without incidents! 

You'll notice that I'm a nice safe distant where I know I can move should I need to in order to reactively respond to a movement that might cause her to fall, but I'm encouraging her to do it herself. Ironically this video was also taken just three weeks after she started to walk! Believe me my heart was beating rapidly in my chest the hole time BUT how can I think to restrain her growing abilities and personality...The same way she learned to get up and down from the stool she also realized that she was never to attempt "leaning back" because there was no support for her and there wasn't anything to hold her in place. See in my mind this is a positive controlled environment that teaches our children to handle their responses, reactions, and emotions especially if theres a moment of panic or fear. You want to push them forward so that they continue to try and either get better or to keep trying and accomplish the task/motion. I remember so vividly my sister panicking and saying that my ex husband (husband at that time) needed to put a back to keep her in and I was vehemently against that-how else is the child to learn boundaries especially the ones that can save their lives-because that fall to the tile (thankfully never did) but could cause some serious injuries with thick concrete being what was underneath that tile!

Obviously a persona is going to do what they want to do, but for the sake of your kids and their personal growth (in a world that we wont always be around in by the way) get them a kitchen helper and have them help you in the kitchen. It either becomes the best time with your child/children or just a learning curve for various things or even better new talents and a passion for the kitchen that they can share with you. I know to this day my kiddos love to bake and cook with me and are learning new things everyday when they do help...

Actually if it wasn't for how tall and big my kids have gotten, I probably would've kept this stool, but since now they use simple steppers, I just gave it away last month to a neighbor for their daughter.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Dolce Riviera - Restaurant Review

This post goes out to all my Italian food fans :p I was thinking of you all while writing this one!

As you may have noticed I'm always pretty blunt if not as directly honest as I can be in my blog posts so this one isn't any different. There are many restaurants in the DFW area that are truly exceptional, where others its more about the environment, with others being more about the view or "scenery" whether that be the people or actual scenes surrounding the restaurant. So I dont know about you but for me to thoroughly enjoy a culinary experience I need four specific things to occur/be involved: 1)the atmosphere or environment of the restaurant, 2) the wait staff amiableness and accommodations, 3)the quality of the food that served and the ingredients for what you pay for, and lastly 4)the restrooms sanitation and upkeep. Why is the restroom one important you might ask, well if they dont keep a tidy restroom and up keep that what assures me that they will put more caution and thought into the upkeep of the kitchen where my food is prepped, made, and served! Anyway!

So here we are with Dolce Riviera-a restaurant in the Downtown Dallas area that's had some very well made social media posts and marketing for their location in addition to their plates...with a planned girls night out we decided to try what was raved about online, through reviews, and social media. 

Arriving to their location was easy enough via the GPS but their actual main entrance was a little confusing as for their location, so it's easiest to just literally valet your vehicle. I personally don't like to valet my vehicle if I know there are appropriate parking spots nearby but considering how closed off the visual public view is of this location valet it is! So if it's a ladies night, definitely suggest valet! Arriving into their location you see the lovely designed patio or seating area-not to be confused with where they actual provide service though; it's more their waiting area. That aside, you finally enter through their main entryway and the hostess stand is immediately to the right directly across from the bar. Since we were waiting for the rest of the crew, my sister and I sat in the lounge/bar area. The colors and overall interior design of the place is lovely and seems so fresh, but honestly I think the best part is just their indoor patio/window enclosure seating area, because there rest of the tables and seating area is a little...whats the word I'm looking for-blah! Their bar area is nice and opens to the outdoors but its also smaller than I even anticipated. I would personally suggest if you're on a date to sit in the bar/lounge area and eat there because the other areas (unless you're at a specific table in the indoor patio area, is not worth the seating...

Finally seated the wait staff overall was amiable and cordial but the specific waitress we had, was more concerned about her tip even though she was more MIA than any other waiter or waitress we saw-we hardly ever saw her on the floor and if she was it was just basically in passing so that was pretty frustrating. Then she wasn't knowledgeable of the menu enough to provide suggestions or options and for a first time attendee that's a HUGE put of - so hopefully and anyone else who goes has a better experience in that regard.

Here comes the food part...lordy I had such high hopes for this place seriously and was super excited since the arrival but after eating...it was the most disappointing experience I've had in a LONG time! I'm talking outside of the actual desserts the food was horrible! I had supposedly the pear salad to start with and then the simply Alfredo sauce pasta with a grilled salmon a la carte on top. Everything was salty, and the salad didn't seem to be what was described in the menu - but did have a nice presentation. The pasta dish was so salty that I could literally feel the crunching sensation of too much salt on my teeth when I would chew! Annoying by the way for any of you who've had that happen to you before. The noodles looked so good too but because of how salty it all way, I couldn't really enjoy the plate. If not for the fact that I was starving! I literally would've just had my drink for the bar and dessert only. The salmon was delicious and I was glad at least that was cooked well and super delicious otherwise that would have been a buzz kill also. 

Honestly I think Olive Garden has more flavors and delicious plates now or heck go up to the Legest West area and have the Italian restuarants up there, because at least their quality of food and the experience alone is 95% better than this restaurant...

But hey don't take my word for it, try it out Dolce Riviera for yourself and let me know what you think!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Feng Cha - Recommendation

So you know already that my family, both immediate and extended, are big foodie people so it should come to know surprise to you that we've had and tried another drink place. This one we tried out was definitely more North from Dallas but there are other locations than this one so you don't have to travel all the way to Prosper, TX for it. 

The vibes inside this spot are both relaxing and "chill" so you can be comfortable while you wait. They even have a nice selection of games to entertain yourself whether you wait for your drinks to be made OR you're just enjoying some time away from your day while sipping your special order drink. The location itself is very clean and tidy, while having both a personal touch to ordering your drinks or using the kiosk. I will admit that if you're in a rush this is NOT the place to go to! So don't assume that because you didn't stay in the line to order and used the kiosk that your order will come out faster-yea you would be sadly mistaken! So keep that in mind when you make a stop and they seem to be busy or full...

Their menu has a nice selection but you know what I didn't like, was that nowhere did they advertise or indicate what was lactose free or lactose made drinks; I know most places have options but their description on beverages didn't provide that much insight so make sure you ask if you have some lactose diet restrictions or special needs. So while being cautious about your lactose tolerance, they have a drink for everyone - whether teas, milks teas, boba, no boba, fruity, slush like texture, frozen, hot, caffeine, caffeine free, sweet, non-sweet, etc. My personal favorites are the Taro Milk Tea, their Coffee Milk Tea, their dragonfruit tea, passion fruit tea, their special Mango Grapefruit Slush, and their Matcha Latte. I mean for the same price of Starbucks I get better quality and definitely more delicious, then again maybe that's just me.

The only thing I REALLY dont like is that unless the owner is there the manager is a bitch and definitely doesn't seem to believe in customer service. Apparently the manager has no respect either for the owner who signs her paychecks since the little altercation I had with her and her response proved that quickly, which is sad...Otherwise a nice "pit stop" than the norm locations for drinks especially this Spring/Summer!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman